Advance Care Planning in Alberni Valley

50% of Canadians have never talked with family and friends about what they want if they were ill and couldn’t speak for themselves. When it comes to talking about end of life, most of us panic and avoid the topic altogether. Nothing is more difficult than the “conversation” about dying with your loved ones. But 100% of us will die and the subject needs to be discussed!

John and Karen approached the Hospice Society for information on Advance Care Planning. They are both in their 80’s, “not getting around like we used to” and noticing they are not able to remember things as well as before. Both of them have a family history of dementia and are concerned about not being able to make their own decisions or to make decisions for each other if both of them are failing. They also didn’t “want to be kept around forever”.

In conversations with them, they were surprised to find they had differing ideas on what they would like if unable to communicate their wishes. They decided a representational agreement was the best option for each of them. They held discussions with their representative, their children and their physician and gave them all copies of the agreement and their specific wishes. They both felt a sense of relief to know that their wishes will be honored and only the care they have asked for will be provided.

The Alberni Valley Hospice Society has speakers available to host presentations on Advance Care Planning which includes an introduction, why you should plan now, how to get started and your legal options. You will be asked to examine your beliefs, values and wishes around quality of life and your wishes for future health care treatment should you become unable to communicate those wishes.

To learn more about Advance Care Planning process or to request a presentation for your group, contact the Alberni Valley Hospice Society.